By opening your hearts and home you share in international understanding and fellowship. Hosting a Rotary International high school exchange student is a life-enhancing experience for your entire family. It’s a unique opportunity to get new perspectives, explore new customs, and share American culture and community with others. Most of all, you’ll build special friendships and connections that last a lifetime.
Rotary Clubs are always looking for potential host families. If you’d like more information on hosting a Rotary foreign exchange and what positive effects it can have on your family, contact your local Rotary Club or complete our inquiry form.
A host family for a Rotary exchange student, you assume parental responsibility for this young ambassador from another country. You agree to provide shelter and sustenance, guidance and counsel, and love and support to the child whose family lives thousands of miles from you. The exchange student will have their own insurance and pocket money while you will offer room and board. We do not pay any stipend to host families.
And thanks so much for your interest!
Your primary responsibility is simply to accept the exchange student as a new member of your family. Your student will be governed not only by the rules of the program, but by the rules of your household. You are responsible for the safety of the exchange student the same as for your own children. Although you might become a bit more of the soccer mom or dad for normal everyday activities, it is not your responsibility to act as a taxi service or a tour guide. Rotarians for the hosting club will be helping in these areas.
You can find more information in your Host Family Handbook.
To be in compliance with the US Department of State and Rotary International …
*Each family member over the age of 18 must complete and pass the online training course with his/her UNIQUE email address. Personal unique links will be sent to you for background-check and training.
In accordance with regulations of the US Department of State, all host families are required to complete this webform and submit it prior to hosting an exchange student. The form will require that you provide contact information for two personal references. These references may not be relatives or volunteers with RYE-Florida. It will also require you to upload five photos of your home – one each of the exterior, the living room or family room, the kitchen, and the bedroom and bathroom that the student will use.
If you begin the form but do not have all of the necessary information, or for some other reason need to finish at a later time, there is an option on each page to do so. We appreciate your cooperation and your willingness to host an exchange student.